In southern Finland, technology is moving into a new era with the construction of the world’s largest sand battery. This innovative thermal storage system promises to transform district heating by using clean, renewable energy .
Now, its efficiency will be taken to the next level thanks to an artificial intelligence (AI)-based solution provided by Elisa, a leading company in telecommunications and digital services.
AI to optimize sand battery and its thermal storage
The AI system developed by Elisa will automatically manage battery charging, adjusting in real time to fluctuations in the electricity market. This approach will ensure that stored energy is used more efficiently, reducing costs and maximising revenue for Loviisan Lämpö, the Finnish district heating company that operates the system.
The sand battery, developed by Polar Night Energy, has the capacity to store heat generated by renewable electricity and release it on demand. Elisa’s technology will enable this energy to be flexibly traded on electricity reserve markets managed by Fingrid, Finland’s transmission system operator.
Emission reduction and economic benefits
The implementation of this solution will enable more than 50% of district heating in Pornainen to come from electricity, reducing emissions by 70%. It is estimated that this will prevent the emission of approximately 160 tonnes of CO2 annually .
From Elisa, Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita, Vice President of AI, has highlighted that energy flexibility is key for the future of the sector, and AI allows thermal storage companies to actively participate in the electricity market, benefiting both economically and environmentally.
A replicable model for the future
The sand battery is an example of how technological innovation can improve energy efficiency and contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector. With a storage capacity of 100 MWh and an output of 1 MW, this system is capable of supplying thermal energy even in extreme conditions.
Elisa has also applied its energy optimization solution in other areas, such as battery management in telecommunications networks and in homes with solar storage . This reinforces the feasibility of integrating AI technologies in various sectors to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
With the project scheduled to go live this summer, it positions Finland as a benchmark in clean energy and lays the groundwork for future implementations around the world.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Insta g ram
Source and photos: Elisa
